Annual salary of 6.7 million! The Rockets signed the third center is an unexpected surprise, and Ethan s role may be reduced

Capela was a first-round rookie in 2014. Among the second round picks that year, one of the centers became an MVP-level star, and his name was Nikola Jokic.

At that time, Stone could only act as the assistant of the general manager, and he did not have much say. If Stone was asked to choose, would he choose Jokic with the No. 25 draw? In 2014, the Rockets missed a top league center with comprehensive skills. In 2021, Stone brought Alperen Sengon back to Houston, known as Jokic Jr.

Now it is 2025, and Stone brings old player Capela back to Houston. Capela's annual salary in the new season is $6.7 million, while his annual salary last season reaches $22.65 million.

The Rockets were able to sign Capela as the third center. Stone recently revealed when participating in the show that when the free agent market opened, he did not think the Rockets could sign Capela. Because the Rockets had little salary space at that time, and many teams were interested in Capela.

Last time Capela negotiated a contract with the Rockets was delayed for a while. Capela wanted a contract with an annual salary of $25 million in the 2018 offseason. He believes he is no worse than Adams, who renewed his contract with the Thunder for 4 years. Finally, after bargaining, the two sides reached an agreement that Capela's new contract is $90 million for five years (including incentive bonus terms).

After the famous reporter Shams announced on July 1, 2025 that the Rockets had signed back Capela for three years and $21.5 million. Capela could have waited for a better offer, but this time he didn't think about it for too long before signing with the Rockets. Capela is going to compete with her old rival Adams.

Stone said: I think Capela agreed to sign with the Rockets because she missed the city of Houston, and I think he hoped to join a team that he really had a chance to win the championship.

Later, an NBA reporter updated Capela's contract: $21.1 million in three years, with 5% of the transaction margin.

The two tower lineup created by Uduka is very effective. The Rockets' inside defense and rebounding have been improved, and Sengong can also play more comfortably.

The Rockets' goal for the new season is the championship, and Stone will do her best to make up for the team's shortcomings. Given Adams' attendance, Stone decided to sign a capable third center.

With the chance to win the championship and the emotional card, the Rockets quickly finalized Capela, not as slow as they were seven years ago.

Stone was very satisfied with the operation of signing Capela, and at the same time he was working hard to finalize an early contract renewal with Ethan.

Ethan also wanted to get a satisfactory contract like Capela back then. Some American media speculated that Ethan wanted a contract with an annual salary of $25 million. Ethan's attendance rate is a problem, and he has unstable shooting and has made many mistakes in handling the ball. Stone must have wanted to lower the price.

Ethan's role in the Rockets in the new season may be reduced and his playing time will decrease. Rockets general manager Stone is more optimistic about Smith Jr., who is expected to start in the new season. In addition, Uduka also plans to increase the playing time in the two towers, with Adams or Capela playing center and Sengon serving as power forward. In addition to Smith, who can open up space, the Rockets also have Finney Smith, who has rich defensive experience and can shoot three-pointers. Ethan has many competitors.

Capela was also stalemate when she talked about contract renewal that year, but she finally stopped when she saw the situation. Let's see how Ethan would choose.